FORMER Dublin South West TD Brian Hayes has today announced that he will not contest next year's European Parliament elections - and will take up a new role as CEO of the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland.

In a statement released today, the Fine Gael MEP announced that after 25 years playing a role in "active front line politics", he is hanging up his public representative hat.

Brian Hayes

"There comes a time for everyone in politics to leave the stage - for me that time is now," Mr Hayes said.

"Being elected to public office is a great honour. I have never taken it for granted.

"I am taking this decision for family and professional reasons.

"There is life after politics."

My Hayes, who lived in Kingswood, added: “Yesterday [Monday] I informed the Taoiseach and my Party Leader, Leo Varadkar, of my decision.

"I want to thank Leo for understanding and respecting my decision."

Brian Hayes, then Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny and Cait Keane on the election trail in Tallaght in 2011

Looking forward for Fine Gael, Mr Hayes said: “My party has never been in such a healthy condition.

"Fine Gael is forward looking, in touch with Ireland’s mainstream and articulates a strong modern pro-European narrative for our country.

“My announcement today leaves the way open for new people to represent Dublin in the European Parliament."

Mr Hayes added that he will stand by the commitment he gave in 2014 about carrying out a full five-year term in the European Parliament, and will “serve out” his mandate.

He said that he was “especially conscious” of his responsibility as an Irish MEP and will continue in his role “until the Brexit outcome is known”.

“Under the Article 50 procedure, the European Parliament has the power to ratify the final Brexit deal," he said.

"All Irish MEPs must continue to make the case for Ireland in their respective political groups across the European Parliament."

Following the end of his mandate in parliament, Mr Hayes will take up a new role as CEO of the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland.

Discussing his new role, Mr Hayes said: “There are clearly very big challenges facing the Irish Banks, especially around the questions of trust and confidence.

"There is a big job of work to be done in this regard.

"However, central to Ireland’s continued economic recovery must be a healthy, sustainable and customer focused banking sector.”

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